Waitangi Day in Tauranga (2017)

Caption

Waitangi Day in Tauranga was commemorated with a dawn service at Hopukiore (Mount Drury) on Monday 6 February 2017 from 6am. At 6.30am the Ratana Band played before a whakatau (welcome) and singing of the hymn 'Aue e Ihu' followed by an opening karakia, church blessing and hymn 'He Honore'. Civic leaders spoke from 7am followed by an open forum and the national anthem. The Waiata International Group were followed by rangatahi (youth) speakers, a closing karakia, the hymn 'Whakaria Mai', the Rantana Band and hakari (breakfast) at Whareroa Marae for kaumatua / kuia and dignitaries. Photograph by Lee Switzer.